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“[…] While the team fell just short of qualification for the Fifa U-17 Men’s World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to the host nation in their final match, we recognize and applaud the dedication, effort, and determination displayed throughout the tournament.
“Narrowly missing out on what would have been our first U-17 World Cup qualification since 2007 is undoubtedly disappointing, but this tournament has highlighted the potential within our young footballers. The TTFA remains committed to fostering their continued development…”
(via TTFA Media.)
The following is a press statement from the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) on the Men’s National Under-17 Team’s World Cup qualifying campaign, which ended on Sunday 16 February with a 2-0 loss to Costa Rica in Alajuela:
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) extends its commendation to the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s U-17 team and technical staff for their hard-fought campaign in the recently concluded Concacaf U-17 Championship in Costa Rica.
While the team fell just short of qualification for the Fifa U-17 Men’s World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to the host nation in their final match, we recognize and applaud the dedication, effort, and determination displayed throughout the tournament.
Narrowly missing out on what would have been our first U-17 World Cup qualification since 2007 is undoubtedly disappointing, but this tournament has highlighted the potential within our young footballers. The TTFA remains committed to fostering their continued development.
(via TTFA Media.)
“As part of our commitment to progress, the TTFA will conduct a comprehensive review of the team’s performance, analyzing key areas of preparation, competition, and player development,” stated TTFA President Kieron Edwards.
“This will involve consultations with the technical staff, sports science professionals, and key stakeholders to ensure a structured and strategic approach to youth development. The findings will guide specific recommendations for improvement and implementation in future campaigns.”
With Fifa’s new annual U-17 World Cup format now in place, several members of this squad remain eligible to compete in next year’s qualifiers, while others will transition to the U-20 level. This continuity provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen our youth development pathway, ensuring that our best talents are given the necessary resources to succeed.
The TTFA recognizes that sustained success requires not only talented players but also a well-structured support system. Within our financial capacity, we are committed to enhancing our technical programs by incorporating key personnel, including specialized coaching staff, sports science experts, and performance analysts to optimize player development.
Photo: TTFA Media.
Additionally, we will explore the use of technology such as video analysis tools, GPS tracking, and modern scouting systems to better assess player progress and enhance match preparation.
While we continue to operate within our current budgetary framework, the TTFA acknowledges that additional investment is crucial to achieving our long-term objectives.
We are actively seeking strategic partnerships and sponsorships from corporate entities, government agencies, and international stakeholders who share our vision for football development in Trinidad and Tobago.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
Investment in youth programs will not only elevate our national teams but also contribute to the overall growth of football in the country.
The TTFA remains equally committed to the development of women’s football, ensuring that our female youth teams receive the same level of focus, preparation, and competitive opportunities as their male counterparts.
Our strategic plan will emphasize equal investment in coaching, scouting, and training facilities to ensure that our women’s teams can compete effectively at regional and international levels.
(via TTFA Media.)
The TTFA thanks our players, coaches, staff, and supporters for their unwavering dedication and commitment. While the result in Costa Rica was not what we hoped for, the progress made is a foundation to build upon.
We remain determined to create an environment where our young footballers can thrive, compete, and bring success to Trinidad and Tobago on the world stage.
Photo: TTFA Media.
Editor’s Note: Despite initial suggestions, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) failed to provide any international warm-up matches or a Central America camp for the Men’s National Under-17 before they headed to Costa Rica for the Concacaf U-17 World Cup Qualifying series.
To date, there is little to no information on which standing committees are active within the TTFA, who populates them and what are their mandates—outside of fact that president Kieron Edwards has taken on the mantle of technical committee chairman.
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Déjà vu!!!!!
“… we recognize and applaud the dedication, effort, and determination displayed throughout the tournament.”
The efforts of these young players, as previously mentioned, were regrettably not matched by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) in terms of their preparation.
“Our strategic plan will emphasize equal investment in coaching, scouting, and training facilities to ensure that our women’s teams can compete effectively at regional and international levels.”
Has anyone ever encountered a strategic plan from the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA)? If such a document exists, who authored it, and why is it being kept confidential?